How do we support your child to make the right Post 16 choices?
At Wellfield School, students have access to a wide range of services to help them make their choices.
- A careers interview with our Careers Advisor, and bespoke support depending on need
- live talks from local colleges and sixth forms
- Application Support
- Dedicated careers and pathways sessions during PSHE
- Apprenticeship sessions
- Careers section in the library
Choices after GCSE
The choices which your child makes after completing their GCSEs qualifications are dependent on several different factors including their own ambitions, the opportunities offered locally (LMI Labour market information) and the grades they have achieved. These choices will allow your child to tailor their own education and study towards subjects they feel passionate about and allow them to gain the knowledge and experience needed to progress into their desired career path.
After school your child needs to stay in some form of education or training until their 18th birthday. School leavers have a range of choices:
- To stay in full time education working towards, A-levels, BTEC, NVQ, T levels or an alternative level 1/2/3 qualification at a local college or sixth form.
- An apprenticeship
- A traineeship with the idea of progressing onto an apprenticeship or education
- Employment or Volunteering of 20 hours a week whilst working towards an accredited qualification part time.
At Wellfield School we have a team of staff willing to help you with all the information you need to support and guide through your child’s transition.
If you need any information, advice or guidance please contact us on the details below
Mrs. H Drewett
Careers Lead
01429838783
We also have a Facebook page ‘Wellfield School Next Steps’ to give updates of the local provisions, part time jobs, open evenings, news and events relating to careers
Below click links to open text
Young people who feel they work and learn best in a classroom environment are likely to be interested in moving into Sixth Form where the most common qualifications are A-levels. A-levels are offered in a wide range of subjects – from academic subjects like English, maths, history, biology etc. to more work-based subjects like Health and Social Care, sport and exercise and business studies. Entry requirements for A-levels are usually at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above. Sixth Forms
The course’s offered at FE colleges are mostly vocational, learning skills with a more practical approach to learning. Entry level Qualifications – Designed to support students who received no GCSE grades and need support with basic Maths and English. Level 1 NVQ – Designed to support students who may have left with some GCSE grades but at a low level (E- G), student likely to focus on one specific subject Level 2 NVQ – Likely to be offered to students who achieved grades D/E and as above students will focus on one specific subject. Level 1 BTEC Introductory Diplomas and Certificates – This gives you basic knowledge and skills to show you can do a certain job. Level 2 BTEC First Diplomas and Certificates – Equivalent to GCSEs in a specific subject and are generally offered to students who achieve C/D/E’s at GCSE. Level 3 BTEC National Diploma – Equivalent to two a-levels and can be used as a pathway to university. It is likely to be in one specific subject Level 3 BTEC Extended National Diploma – Equivalent to 3 full A-levels and widely accepted by universities as an alternative to A-levels for degree courses. T-levels – equivalent to 3 A-levels two-year courses with a mixture of classroom and work-based learning. Further Education Colleges
Apprenticeship and Traineeships are becoming a real alternative route for those leaving school as it allows them to gain real life work experience, study towards a relevant qualification in that industry field and receive a wage currently (£4.30 per hour Sept 2021) for their work. Apprenticeships are stereotyped as a ‘second rate’ option but this couldn’t be more misguided; there are many subject options which allow an apprentice to study to degree level, same as what they would receive at university and get the benefit of combining these qualifications with years of practical experience. The parent’s guide to apprenticeships on GOV.UK offers useful downloads as well as more information on the benefits of an apprenticeship and the entry requirements. We would recommend all young people start their research and vacancy searches using the websites listed below. Apprenticeships
University While there is a lot of information available Your child’s teachers at college or 6th form is usually the main source of information about applying for university for example, their teacher will have a good idea about their academic ability, what sort of grades they are likely to achieve and if a particular set of subjects would be suited to them at the age of 18 year onwards. Gaining an impartial perspective from a service such as The National Careers Service can help your child make a well-rounded and realistic decision. Universities
National careers service https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ Labour market Information for parents Apprenticeships https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships https://amazingapprenticeships.com/ Apprenticeships parental packs https://amazingapprenticeships.com/resources/Useful Links to help and advise